Blok Three Sisters: Three Coastal Homes Reuniting a Family on Minjerribah Island, Queensland
Introduction
On the tranquil shores of Minjerribah Island in Queensland, Australia, the Blok Three Sisters project has just been completed. It is a blend of modern architecture and cherished childhood memories. Over two years, an aging family beach house was transformed into three side-by-side residences. Each was designed for one of three sisters who grew up on this stretch of sand. This ensures the site remains a living part of the family’s story.
How It Began
The idea took shape when the old beach house became uninhabitable. Rather than leaving behind the place that held so many shared moments, the sisters decided to bring it back to life. They enlisted Blok Modular and architectural studio Vokes & Peters to create three equal-sized homes. These homes would give each family privacy while keeping them connected through shared outdoor spaces.
Built Off-Site, Assembled on the Coast
With building materials and skilled labor scarce on the island, the homes were fabricated entirely at Blok Modular’s facility in Brisbane. From there, they were transported across the water and assembled on site. This approach not only saved time and resources. It also minimized the environmental impact on the island’s sensitive coastal setting.
Balancing Privacy and Togetherness
Each home enjoys the same floor area, natural light, and sea views. To subtly break uniformity, one facade was mirrored in layout. This introduced a gentle variation in the streetscape. Exterior finishes include timber batten screens and fibre-cement cladding. The soft white and pale blue palette blends naturally into the surrounding neighborhood.
Inside, the design draws on the relaxed atmosphere of traditional holiday homes. A central open-air courtyard brings in sunlight and fresh air. Shaded decks and breezeways encourage residents to spend time outdoors.
Recognition
The project became more than a replacement home it evolved into an architectural statement. In 2025, Blok Three Sisters received a Houses Award from the Australian magazine Houses, recognizing its thoughtful design and execution.
Conclusion
Blok Three Sisters is more than a set of coastal apartments; it’s the continuation of a decades-long family story. It is also an example of how architecture can preserve memories while embracing contemporary needs.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
Blok Three Sisters project
This article examines the Blok Three Sisters project on Minjerribah Island. Here, three prefabricated coastal homes replace a single deteriorated beach house. The imagery highlights a restrained palette of white and pale blue, timber batten screens, and fibre-cement panels. This integrates the architecture into its coastal surroundings. While the modular approach reduces site disruption and reflects sustainable construction strategies, the design narrative offers limited insight into broader contextual or cultural influences on the island. Still, the balance between private and shared spaces demonstrates thoughtful spatial planning. This ensures the homes serve multiple generations while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity.
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